The number of finalists in the Shield Teens Music Fan Search is down to just six after half of the finalists were eliminated during the first week of challenges flighted on e.tv on Sunday 18 October. The six girls remaining in the competition are Kertrice Maitisa and Thandokazi Sineke from Cape Town, Palesa Sekati and Zethu Dhlodhlo from Johannesburg, Siphumelele Mbongwe from KwaZulu-Natal, and Khutso Lebelo from Pretoria.

Week Six of the Shield Teens Music Fan Search challenged the girls to draw on their interview skills and saw them gain insight into music appreciation via the talent of Tumi “Lady Naturelle” from Gang of Instrumentals. There was also a huge surprise in the competition as one of the contestants dropped out due to prior commitments and Lulu Nobanda, who auditioned in Centurion, was invited to join the other 11 finalists.

Lulu thought her chances had faded weeks ago at the auditions, but her fortune changed when Sibuyile Mabena dropped out. When judges Shaun Pearce and Lupi Ngcayisa arrived on her doorstep to tell Lulu she was now one of the finalists, the Grade 11 learner at Edenvale High could hardly believe her ears. She packed her bags in the blink of an eye and joined the other 11 girls for an opportunity in a million – the chance to work with Tumi from Gang of Instrumentals during Week 6 of the Shield Teens Music Fan Search.

With emotions running at an all-time high, the 12 finalists were put through their paces as they posed a few questions to band members from Future Sound and listened intently to Tumi “Lady Naturelle” Masemola as she offered advice on music appreciation, explaining how to spot a hit.

TV producer Shaun Pearce, one of the competition’s three judges, says the girls did really well during the first elimination round. “Everything we gave them they took in with the utmost eagerness. I wouldn’t say there is a massive difference between the best and worst competitor, but the best certainly do stand out. “

Shaun added: “The girls were in awe of meeting Tumi and just loved spending time with her. They couldn’t ask enough questions of her. For the most part, their interviews with Future Sound went well, but some of them definitely researched better than others.

”As far as the eliminations went,” he says, “obviously there were tears and disappointment for some, but I think for others, it was a journey like no other. They seemed very grateful for the opportunity.”

The remaining six finalists are competing for the opportunity to learn everything they need to know to become a top Video Jockey. Only three girls will remain in the competition after a second elimination round on Sunday 25 October. The top three will receive bursaries worth R50 000, R30 000 and R20 000 that will take them further in the VJ industry and a grand finale will be held in Johannesburg to announce the final winner at the beginning of December.

Ethne Whitley, spokesperson for Shield, says the Shield Teens No Sweat Music Fan Search is the latest in a string of opportunities the brand presents to young girls with the aim of helping them to develop self-confidence and achieve their potential.

“Music is the soundtrack of their lives and Shield is offering three talented teenage girls the opportunity of a lifetime,” she says. “The search is on for the girls who have what it takes to become South Africa’s best VJs.”

Next week’s challenge will see the six remaining finalists going on a crash course that focuses on gathering gossip behind the scenes, before three more are eliminated. Don’t miss the Shield Teens Music Fan Search on e.tv at 18.05pm on Sunday!

Lulu

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